PEORIA, Ill. (AP)—Jeremy Crouch scored 22 points Saturday as Bradley poured in the three-pointers on the way to a 78-58 victory over DePaul in the season opener for both teams.
Crouch made six of his nine three-point attempts as the Braves went 13-of-25 from behind the arc.
“It’s always a lot easier when the first one goes down,” Crouch said. “My eyes kind of lit up when I saw their zone.”
Bradley, up 35-28 at the half, went on a 22-10 run after the break and finished the game with a 56.3 shooting percentage.
“I think we have a number of guys who can shoot the ball,” Bradley coach Jim Les said. “As long as they’re good shots for each individual, they know they have the green light to shoot it.”
The Braves also proved they could play defense, finishing the game with nine steals, and forcing the Blue Demons into committing 18 turnovers.
“When you get a little behind to a team that’s faster, they get to spread you out a little bit and you have to chase them,” said DePaul coach Jerry Wainwright.
Daniel Ruffin and Zach Andrews scored 12 points apiece for Bradley, with Will Franklin adding 11.
Sammy Mejia was the leading scorer for DePaul with 18. Wilson Chandler added 12.
